Multiple number references may be used: -Format: One might require output/results to be saved to a file after a scan. Nikto is not designed as a stealthy tool. Enabling and Disabling the Firewall, 2.8.3.3. Starting a Nikto Web Scan. Securing Sendmail", Expand section "2.2.11. Nikto is a free software command-line vulnerability scanner that scans webservers for dangerous files/CGIs, outdated server software and other problems. Nikto is a simple, open-source web server scanner that examines a website and reports back vulnerabilities that it found which could be used to exploit or hack the site. "none", "all", or values like "/cgi/ /cgi-a/", Check database and other key files for syntax errors, A Use a carriage return (0x0d) as a request spacer, B Use binary value 0x0b as a request spacer, (if not specified the format will be taken from the file extension passed to -output), Ignore Codes--treat as negative responses, Host authentication to use, format is id:pass or id:pass:realm, List all available plugins, perform no testing, 1 Test all files with all root directories, 3 Enumerate user names via Apache (/~user type requests), 4 Enumerate user names via cgiwrap (/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/~user type requests), 5 Attempt to brute force sub-domain names, assume that the host name is the parent domain, 6 Attempt to guess directory names from the supplied dictionary file, Disables nikto attempting to guess a 404 page, Write output to this file ('.' NIKTO also checks for multiple index files and HTTP server options. Creating GPG Keys Using the Command Line, 3.6.2. Enhancing Security With TCP Wrappers, 2.2.1.1.1. Working with Cipher Suites in OpenSSL, 3.7.2.2. Thank you for your valuable feedback! Nikto is a pluggable web server and CGI scanner written in Perl, using rfp's LibWhisker to perform fast security or informational checks. Install Signed Packages from Well Known Repositories, 7.3.1. Standard command to scan websites nikto -host (web url host name) - (http port number ) Scan options Display options Output options Tuning options Reference and additional resources: https://github.com/sullo/nikto Nikto FAQs What does Nikto command do? Defining Compliance Policy", Collapse section "8.2. Evaluating the Tools", Collapse section "1.2.3. Nikto will know that the scan has to be performed on each domain / IP address. The sections of the workbook we will be using here are highlighted with. This reduces the total number of requests made to the web server and may be preferable when checking a server over a slow internet connection or an embedded device. Creating User Passwords Within an Organization, 2.1.10.1. -list-plugins: This option will list all plugins that Nikto can run against targets and then will exit without performing a scan. If you dont have Nikto on Kali (for some reason), you can get Nikto from GitHub or just use the apt install nikto command. Securing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), 2.7.2. The following is an overview of the included options in Nikto: -Cgidirs: This option is used to scan specified CGI directories. Nikto, also known as Nikto2, is an open source (GPL) and free-to-use web server scanner which performs vulnerability scanning against web servers for multiple items including dangerous files and programs, and checks for outdated versions of web server software. Nikto can be customized to run specific plugins only for Apache user enumeration by running the following command: nikto.pl -host target.com -Plugins "apacheusers . Nikto is an open-source web server scanner that performs comprehensive tests to identify potentially dangerous files/programs, outdated versions of servers, server configuration items, and installed web servers and software. Nikto is an Open Source software written in Perl language that is used to scan a web-server for vulnerability that can be exploited and can compromise the server. Security Enhanced Communication Tools, 2.1.14. Formatting Access Rules", Collapse section "2.6.2.2. Nikto checks for a number of dangerous conditions and vulnerable software. Removing a Passphrase from an Existing Device, 3.1.3.5. It performs generic and server type specific checks. TCP Wrappers and Attack Warnings, 2.2.1.1.3. Are you sure you want to create this branch? Password Security", Collapse section "2.1.3. Complete installation instructions for all platforms can be found here, https://linuxhint.com/scanning_vulnerabilities_nikto/, Find SQL injection, XSS, and other common vulnerabilities, Identify installed software (via headers, favicons, and files), Includes support for SSL (HTTPS) websites, Saves reports in plain text, XML, HTML or CSV, Check for server configuration items like multiple index files, HTTP server options, and so on, Guess credentials for authorization (including many default username/password combinations), Is configured with a template engine to easily customize reports. For a simple test we will use test a single host name. GNU Privacy Guard (GPG)", Collapse section "3.5. Using Metasploit and Nmap to Scan for Vulnerabilities in Kali Linux, Scanless - Pentesting Tool to Perform Anonymous open Port Scan on Target Websites, WebMap - Python Based NMAP Nikto Dirsearch Automation Tool, PHPvuln Linux Tool to Find Vulnerabilities in PHP Code, Optiva Framework - Web Application Vulnerabilities Scanner, Breacher - Tool To Find Admin Login Pages And EAR Vulnerabilities, BrokenSMTP Python Script to look common vulnerabilities on SMTP server, Golismero - Scan Website, Vulnerability Scanning, WEB Server in Kali Linux, CRLFuzz - A Linux Tool To Scan CRLF Vulnerability Written in Go, A-143, 9th Floor, Sovereign Corporate Tower, Sector-136, Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 201305, We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. More information about Nikto can be found at the following URL: We've updated our Privacy Policy effective July 1st, 2023. A directory indexing vulnerability allows anyone visiting the website to access files that reside on the back end of the web server. Get started, freeCodeCamp is a donor-supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity organization (United States Federal Tax Identification Number: 82-0779546). Use TCP Wrappers To Control Access, 2.2.7.1. The Nikto code itself is free software, but the data files it uses to drive the program are not. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we offer. Nikto is an Open Source ( GPL) web server scanner which performs comprehensive tests against web servers for multiple items, including over 6700 potentially dangerous files/programs, checks for outdated versions of over 1250 servers, and version specific problems on over 270 servers. The scanner looks for thousands of weaknesses, which means that its output can be overwhelming if you dont properly target each scan and categorize the results into groups of weaknesses that can be closed down with a single action. b. This provides lists of weaknesses that can be filtered to specific vulnerability types. It also checks for misconfigurations, also a source of vulnerability, as well as version level issues on over 250+ server types. This playbook explains how to test Azure WAF's protections against a reconnaissance attack with emphasis on Azure WAF protection ruleset and logging capabilities. Nikto is an Open Source software written in Perl language that is used to scan a web-server for the vulnerability that can be exploited and can compromise the server. In some instances, it is possible to obtain system and database connection files containing valid credentials. Identifying security problems proactively, and fixing them, is an important step towards ensuring the security of your web servers. It is a popular, easy-to-use, and very powerful pen-testing tool. Enhancing Security With xinetd", Collapse section "2.2.1.2. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Command Options for IPTables", Collapse section "2.8.9.2. Nikto is an open source web server and web application scanner. Malicious Software and Spoofed IP Addresses, 2.8.9.2.1. Lets discuss in detail how to install Nikto in Kali Linux and use it to scan web servers for vulnerabilities. Data Encryption Standard - DES", Expand section "A.2. Such reconnaissance activities also allow attackers to gain a thorough understanding and complete mapping of your application for later use. It defines the seconds to delay between each test. It will filter 6700 possibly risky documents/programs, check for outdated version details of 1250 server, and can detect problems with specific version details of over 270 severs. PHPvuln - Linux Tool to Find Vulnerabilities in PHP Code If it opens in a new browser tab, simply right click on the PDF and navigate to the download selection. News: 4 more fall prey to cyber scams in Chandigarh, News: Hacker reports vulnerability and possible data leak in Vodafone Ideas subscriber database portal, Nikto is free to use, open source and frequently updated, Can be used to scan any web server (Apache, Nginx, Lighttpd, Litespeed, etc. SQL Injection Attack: SQL Tautology Detected. Microsoft Entra Tech Accelerator: Part 2 of 2, Part 2 - Reconnaissance Playbook: Azure WAF Security Protection and Detection Lab, Azure WAF Attack Testing Lab Environment Deployment Template, Run web application vulnerability scan against the target, Review the differences in the results of the two web application vulnerability scans, Review the summarized logs in the WAF Workbook (, We recommend following the lab setup instructions as closely as possible. To do that, append the -Format msf+ flag to the end of a scan: It is always good to have a backup tool in your pen-testing arsenal. BIOS Passwords", Expand section "2.1.2.2. Defining Audit Rules", Collapse section "7.5. On certain deployments, web servers are run on non-standard ports like 8081 or 8080, or multiple web servers are run on the same host on different network ports. Directory indexing can be avoided by setting up appropriate permissions on files and directories within the web server. It also captures and prints any cookies received. View or Download the Cheat Sheet JPG image, View or Download the cheat sheet PDF file, click here and open it in a new browser tab. The 20-year-old tool is currently on version 2.5 and billed as "Nikto2.". User Accounts", Collapse section "2.2.7. Default installation files may reveal a lot of information concerning the web server, and this may allow attackers to craft attacks that specifically target the web server as per the disclosed information. Limiting a Denial of Service Attack, 2.2.8.4. Once the image opens in a new window, you may need to click on the image to zoom in and view the full-sized jpeg. Defining Audit Rules", Expand section "7.9. ! Nikto is an open source web server and web application scanner. The usage format is id:password. Locking Virtual Consoles Using vlock, 2.1.11.2. Contribute to sullo/nikto development by creating an account on GitHub. Threats to Workstation and Home PC Security, 2.1.4. 1. Before an attacker can exploit a vulnerability, they will typically spend time researching their target web application which involves collecting application specific data and analyzing it for potential vulnerabilities. The default is ALL. Securing NFS Mount Options", Collapse section "2.2.6.3. Configuring Specific Applications", Collapse section "3.7.3. Hardening TLS Configuration", Collapse section "3.7. Additional Resources", Collapse section "2.8.9.7. How to Create Reverse Shells with Netcat in Kali Linux? It is currently maintained by David Lodge (you can find his blog here), though other contributors have been involved in the project as well. Insecure Architectures", Collapse section "1.3.1.1. The allowed reference numbers can be seen below: 4 Show URLs which require authentication. Scanning Hosts with Nmap", Expand section "1.3.1. Port 80 is the default port. -useproxy: This option is used in the event that the networks connected to require a proxy. Disable Sendmail Network Listening, 2.2.9. Once connected, we will use Nikto, a versatile, command line open source web application vulnerability scanning tool which is bundled in the Kali Linux distro. 2. Nikto allows pentesters, hackers and developers to examine a web server to find potential problems and security vulnerabilities, including: Server and software misconfigurations Default files and programs Insecure files and programs Outdated servers and programs Nikto features During web app scanning, different scenarios might be encountered.